Saturday, June 7, 2008

Vote for me!

Today is the election day for Palembang's next mayor. I don't know much about the politics here to make any comment at all about whats going on politically. All I know is that there are 4 parties and all the posters show the leader and the deputy together. We've also been told that it will be better to stay at home tomorrow just in case of people acting out from disappointment.

So, here is a photo of the polling booths in our area.

The process is to go 'sign in' at one of the tables, and I guess they'll mark your name off, then go sit down and wait. They'll call out your name when its your turn.

The individual voting booths are those silver things in the middle of the photo. Over here, the word they use for 'vote' is 'coblos' (pronounced choblos), which also means to pierce. The voting slip has photos of the 4 parties and you stab at the one you want. Those booths are actually equipped with nails!

After you've nailed the guy you want, you have to go get your little finger dipped in some ink. Thats how they make sure you only vote once.